Mission: To empower young adults with knowledge of the natural world and, in doing so, develop critical thinking and analytical skills in concert with a strong sense of civic engagement.

Gatherings

Our Gatherings begin with an educational experience in which Junior Naturalists learn ecological concepts about the two major ecosystems present on the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium’s 105 acres. They will also participate in natural awareness exercises that increase their abilities to become better naturalists. As the year progresses, field trips will be incorporated into the program to better showcase not only other ecosystem types, but also how humans in Florida interact with their environment.

The volunteer aspect of the Junior Naturalist Program begins with outside work helping to maintain the center’s grounds. As the Junior Naturalists progress with the program and increase their knowledge, they will be volunteering in more interpretive roles throughout the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium. Past Junior Naturalists have created interpretive signs for the center and even performed the guided walks on our trails.

This program is designed so that middle school aged students who go through the entire program will develop an intimate knowledge of their home state and develop a better sense of place and community. The knowledge and critical thinking skills acquired in the program will benefit their future career choices whether in or out of the natural resources field.

Required Equipment (What a Junior Naturalist needs for Gatherings): A water bottle, clothes appropriate for fully experiencing the outdoors, a change of shoes and clothes, lunch.

3:00 show: “From Earth to the Universe” Cross time and cultures to see the Universe! Each show is preceded by a live orientation to SW Florida night skies (to get you dark-adapted!), so you will also learn some of what there is to see in our local skies this month.[...]

3:00 show: “From Earth to the Universe” Cross time and cultures to see the Universe! Each show is preceded by a live orientation to SW Florida night skies (to get you dark-adapted!), so you will also learn some of what there is to see in our local skies this month.[...]

Solar Observing (Weather Permitting) Every Friday at 11:45, (clear skies permitting) Live solar observing using the Coronado Solar Telescope: Are there sunspots today? Prominences? A flare? Planetarium volunteers and/or staff will show you the Sun “live” as few people get to see it. Catch our narrow-band filter’s detailed view of[...]

Upcoming Events

Sponsors

For sponsorship information please contact us.

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A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Florida Division of Consumer Services by calling (800) 435-7352 within the state or by visiting www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state.

About Us

The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is a private, not for profit, environmental education organization located in Fort Myers, Florida. Our 105 acre site has a museum, three nature trails, a Planetarium, butterfly and bird aviaries, a gift shop and meeting and picnic areas.